Scabiosa 'Fata Morgana'
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Elegant and uniform cut flower.
Fata Morgana produces 1 1/2–2 1/2", soft creamy apricot blooms atop tall, strong, and slender stems. The color adds a vintage look to mixed bouquets. In the garden, it serves as an attractant for bees and butterflies. Also known as mourning bride.
Details:
Plant life cycle : annual
Height: 36-40”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 90-100 daysSow : 1/4" deep
Plant spacing: 12”
Approx seeds per packet: 50
How to Grow:
SOWING:Transplant (recommended) - Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Barely cover as light aids germination. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. In the greenhouse, grow transplants at 50-55°F (10-13°C) to keep the plants from stretching. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed - After last frost date. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until late spring give the best quality flowers and pods. May require support such Hortonova used as a horizontal trellis.
Harvest:
Scabiosa atropurpurea: Flowers almost fully open. Scabiosa stellata: Fresh-cut or dried: Harvest when seed heads are light green with dark-bronze edges and the star-shaped centers are just turning black. If harvested after the centers have fully turned, or begun to fall out, the seed head will shatter and will not be useful.
Vase life:
Fresh flowers will last 7-10 days in the vase and flower preservative is recommended.